Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in maintaining good health. It is a water-soluble vitamin that is found in many fruits and vegetables, including oranges, strawberries, kiwi, broccoli, and bell peppers. While vitamin C is essential for good health, too much of it can have adverse effects on the body. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms of too much vitamin C in the body.
What Causes Too Much Vitamin C In The Body?
The recommended daily intake of vitamin C for adults is 75-90 milligrams per day. However, some people take higher doses of vitamin C as a dietary supplement or to treat certain medical conditions. Taking high doses of vitamin C can lead to excessive levels of the vitamin in the body.
Symptoms Of Too Much Vitamin C In The Body
Gastrointestinal Disturbances
One of the most common symptoms of too much vitamin C is gastrointestinal disturbances. Excessive amounts of vitamin C can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. These symptoms may occur even at relatively low doses of vitamin C.
Kidney Stones
High levels of vitamin C can increase the risk of kidney stones in some people. This is because vitamin C is metabolized into oxalate, a compound that can bind with calcium to form kidney stones. People who are prone to kidney stones should avoid taking high doses of vitamin C.
Iron Overload
Excessive amounts of vitamin C can interfere with the absorption of iron from the diet, leading to iron overload in some people. Iron overload can cause liver damage, diabetes, and heart disease.
Headaches
High doses of vitamin C can cause headaches in some people. This is because vitamin C can increase the production of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which can cause headaches in some individuals.
Insomnia
Some people may experience insomnia or sleep disturbances when taking high doses of vitamin C. This is because vitamin C can increase the production of cortisol, a hormone that is associated with wakefulness.
Fatigue
Excessive amounts of vitamin C can cause fatigue in some people. This is because vitamin C can interfere with the production of carnitine, a compound that is essential for energy production.
Conclusion
While vitamin C is essential for good health, too much of it can have adverse effects on the body. The symptoms of too much vitamin C in the body include gastrointestinal disturbances, kidney stones, iron overload, headaches, insomnia, and fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should consult your healthcare provider. Remember to always follow the recommended daily intake of vitamin C to maintain good health.
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